Sangamon Sun

Village of Divernon Board of Trustees met Dec. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The regular meeting of the Village of Divernon Board of Trustees was held at the Village Hall. Mayor Jim Copelin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those in attendance, Clerk Gail Hedges called roll: Craig Busch “Here”, Joe Bukantos “Here”, Chuck Apgar “Here”, Tyler Bramley “Here”, Dianne Brenning “Here” and Larry Baer “Here”. Also present were Chief Martin and Superintendent Rhodes.

A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Apgar to approve the minutes of November 24, 2021. The motion passed 6-0.

Baer made a motion to approve the bills seconded by Brenning. The motion passed 6-0.

Visitors

Jason Rhodes was present to discuss the status of the old IGA building. Action on the building is still in the courts.

Public Works:

Superintendent Rhodes reported that several persons were interviewed for the vacant full-time public works position. Brandon Winkler was hired to fill the position. The water tower still needs a few remaining repairs. The tower should be operational by the end of December. The aerator float assembly which holds up the motor in the lagoon needs to be replaced. The purchase cost for a replacement is $5900.00. A motion was made by Busch seconded by Bukantos to approve.

The motion passed 6-0.

Police:

Chief Martin reported the Explorer should be ready to go next week. Pat Hurley, a new part-time officer, will be coming onto the force.

Committee Reports: Economic Dev., Zoning, TIF, Building Permits:

Apgar reported he will be meeting with a representative from the DCEO to discuss uses of the American Rescue Plan Act funding the Village received. Apgar also reported on the progress with the Sangamon County Multijurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation plan. Busch reported a discussion with Kathy Orr took place to discuss the business districts and the possible combining into one district.

Public Utilities Water, Gas and Sewer

A discussion about the annual water rate took place. Further discussion and a vote will take place at the next meeting. The annual gas increase will also be discussed at the next meeting. A motion was made by Bukantos seconded by Baer to approve the fee of up to $4500.00 to Benton and Associates for inspection of the work on the water tower. The motion passed 6-0.

Finance, Personnel, GIS:

Baer reported the Village received a funding opportunity notice from the DCEO for a grant in the amount of $200,000.00 for infrastructure projects. Discussion took place and it was determined that replacement of the water main was the best use. Baer also reported that IMRF costs will be going down in 2022. A decision was made to again award Christmas bonuses. Full-time staff, and part-time staff meeting the hourly requirement will receive the bonus. Baer reported the Village has collected year-to-date $64,327.05 from gas customers to cover the customer portion of the February 2021 gas bill.

Public Safety, Health and Safety:

Apgar reported Sangamon County has adopted the 2018 building codes. The Village of Divernon can choose whether to adopt the 2018 codes.

Public Works, Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks:

Nothing to report.

Village Communication/Building, Grounds and Lights, Parks, Recreation: Nothing to report.

Old Business:

Nothing to report.

New Business:

Nothing to report.

The meeting ended with a motion by Baer at 8:03. p.m.

https://cdn.sitepreview.co/assets/uploads/sites/219/2021/12/Minutes-12-08-2021.pdf